good morning. >> reporter: as we've seen in polls earlier in the week, president obama seems to have a healthy lead in states like ohio and even florida. but in others, it's much closer. >> just getting elected will help. >> reporter: mitt romney's message to donors last night as polls show a tight race in nevada and north carolina. romney's only two points behind president obama there. but seven points behind in new hampshire. >> now your job is in danger. >> reporter: both sides came out swinging with new campaign ads thursday. >> if i could sit down with you in your living room or around the kitchen table, here's what i'd say -- >> reporter: what he said in virginia beach was something new, something he calls economic patriotism. >> an economic patriotism rooted in the belief that growing our economy begins with a strong and thriving middle class. >> reporter: romney also in virginia told veterans the nation's debt is more than just numbers on paper. >> trillion dollar deficits. that debt is owned by somebody. someone holds that. that puts america in a position of economic risk. >